U.S. Department of Justice

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Common Sikh American Head Coverings

Sikhism is a religion that originated in South Asia during the 15th Century and isdistinct from both Islam and Hinduism. religious reasons, practicing Sikhs donot cut their hair. long hair with a turban or pagri(see photo a), a practice that typically takes 10-15 minutes. hairin a smaller under-turban or patka, with their hair knotted on top of their head(photo b). turbans (photo c); however, many opt for acloth or chunni to cover their head (photo d).

a. Man with pagri

b. Boy with patka

d. Woman with chunni

c. Woman with pagri

Points to Keep in Mind when searching someone wearing a Sikh Head Covering:

Produced by the Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Sikh head coverings provided by the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART).

ForSikh men wrap and knot their

Sikh boys wrap their

Some Sikh women also wear

Images and descriptions of 2004.